An In-Depth Look at Consumer Latex Mattress Reviews

The latex mattress continues to grow in popularity as consumers seek natural, healthy sleep solutions that offer both comfort and value. But, latex can be one of the most difficult mattress types to research because many people are unfamiliar with what to look for, and finding quality options  in local showrooms often proves difficult.

Curious about what truly makes a better latex bed, we collected reviews from over 650 people comparing features of all-latex beds to those with latex over other foams. We then took a look at top online retailers and developed an easy-to-read chart for handy comparison. Take a look at what we found to see what features are most likely to yield a satisfactory purchase.

Owner Satisfaction: Natural Latex vs Latex Blend Over Foam

The information in the above chart is based on reviews from over 650 actual latex mattress owners, collected from diverse and credible sources including third party verified reviews, product review sites, and consumer forums. We graded the mattresses on an A-D scale, with A meaning almost all were satisfied, B meaning some minor complaints, C meaning a significant number of complaints, and D indicating over half voiced complaints. Here’s the breakdown of results by category:

Owner Satisfaction

Owner satisfaction is a measure of how happy the buyer is with their mattress overall. For all-latex mattresses, nearly every review we found reported satisfaction within the standard range (85%+). However for mattresses with latex over foam, consumers reported lower satisfaction, typically falling in the 60-70% range depending on configuration (about the same satisfaction rating innerspring mattresses have).

Lifespan

The lifespan and durability of the two types show marked difference. Owners of all-natural latex mattresses  have reported life spans that typically range between 12-20 years, though some have even held up as long as 40 years or more. Blended mattresses typically have lifespans of about 6-10 years, slightly longer than the overall mattress average of 5-7 years.

Back Pain Relief

Pain relief is an important factor in the popularity of latex beds. Mattresses made of all latex offer pain relief and prevention that is above average for mattresses in general. Beds that have latex layered over a base foam offered average to below average pain relief, negating a key benefit of the mattress type.

Natural Materials

Many people look at latex mattresses for their natural or eco-friendly properties. However, only 100% natural latex mattresses offer these benefits. Beds that have latex over poly foam or synthetic latex may contain a percentage of natural latex somewhat reducing the chemical footprint, but are not all natural.

No Off-gassing

Off-gassing refers to the chemical odors that new mattresses and furniture produce, typically due to petroleum-based additives. An all-natural latex mattress should have no chemical offgassing, though they may give off a latex rubber smell. Owners of models that combine latex and other foams report significant chemical offgassing, which causes serious disturbance or discomfort to about 15% of people, though many more complain of minor annoyance with odors.

Doesn’t Hold Heat

Latex material tends to hold heat less than other foams due to its composition and the pincore construction of most mattresses which helps circulate air. In all-latex mattresses, reports of sleeping hot are rare. However in latex over foam beds, complaints of trapping heat are more common, with about 10% of people complaining.

Warranties

Because all-natural latex proves highly durable, these types of mattresses tend to have longer warranties, usually around 20 years. Blended models or those that have poly foam layers tend to wear quicker and thus have shorter warranties.

Return Policies

Typically, higher-quality beds tend to have more generous return policies as retailers realize a lower risk and return rate. All-latex mattresses tend offer longer trial periods and more favorable return policies than blends. Those with separate, unglued layers can also offer the alternative of swapping layers rather than returning the whole bed.

Price

Though the two types show clear differences in their features, and customers report paying prices reflective of this difference. The average price for all-latex was $2500, while blended was $1500, meaning that the higher quality often came with a higher price tag.

Availability

All natural latex beds can be difficult to find in local stores, and are often only available online. Blended beds and those with latex over foam can be easier to find in showrooms, which may equate for the price difference. Next, we’ll look at retailers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you be allergic to a latex mattress?

Latex mattresses are often considered safe for anyone with a latex allergy because the manufacturing process removes the proteins that cause allergic reactions. Plus, sleepers are not in direct contact with the latex—there’s usually a cover and batting separating the sleeper from the latex layers.

However, if you have a severe latex allergy you might want to consult your doctor before sleeping on a latex bed. Anyone with a cotton or wool allergy may also want to avoid latex mattresses, which often contain these organic materials.

Are natural latex mattresses comfortable?

There’s no such thing as a mattress that everyone will find comfortable, but natural latex mattresses satisfy a lot of sleepers. The material contours to the body while also keeping you lifted, so you feel on top of the mattress. You can choose from a variety of firmnesses to suit your sleeping style and personal preferences.

How thick should a latex mattress be?

A good rule of thumb is to always shop for a mattress that’s at least 10 inches thick. You can find latex beds as thin as 6 inches, but they won’t have the added layers of a thicker mattress that increases the bed’s comfort. Thick mattresses also tend to last longer than thin beds.

Are latex mattresses toxic?

A certified organic latex mattress is one of the most toxin-free beds you can buy. Many manufacturers use only natural materials and sew pieces together instead of using potentially harmful adhesives. Before you commit to a latex mattress, take a moment to double-check its certifications.

Do latex mattresses smell?

Yes, natural latex mattresses have a slightly sweet, harmless smell. Many have compared it to vanilla, and some find it rather pleasant. Synthetic latex mattresses may have a chemical smell that should dissipate in a few days.

Comparison of Latex Mattress Retailers

The above chart compares five online latex mattress retailers: Astrabeds, Life Kind, Habitat Furnishings, Sleep EZ, and Flow Beds. We considered the retailers based on key factors including latex type, cover, flame retardants, warranty, and more. Based on our comparison, we recommend Astrabeds.com for all natural latex mattresses.

This is based on several factors, including the use of all-natural, certified organic latex, all-latex mattress constructions, a variety of comfort options, organic cotton covers, natural wool barrier, and the relatively affordable price. Astrabeds also features 3rd party verified reviews (from PowerReviews) which means all reviews are from real customers. With average reviews around 4.7 stars out of 5, each of their latex mattress options receives high marks from owners.